Alexander Wang Drops at Uniqlo Without Chaos

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Alexander Wang launched his Uniqlo collection this morning with a leisurely opening for friends, family, and fashion insiders at 9 a.m. Editors and stylists browsed the five-piece dress collection (while sipping Bellinis) as about a dozen young fans waited outside for the doors to open to the public at 11 a.m. Wang explained Uniqlo reps e-mailed him about a year and a half ago to see if he “might be interested at all” in a collaboration. “I replied like, ‘Yeaaaaah’ and ran screaming to my brother and sister who I work with, just so excited.”

Wang fans should hurry to the store to score one of the dresses, all hovering around the $50 to $60 range. The collection will be replenished a few times throughout the day with about 200 more units per style. For those stuck at work, here’s a glimmer of hope: They will be restocking “a really small amount” on Monday as well. Wang admitted he learned a lot teaming up with Uniqlo. “They’re such a huge team, which I’m not used to. They come in and present options, fabrics to pick from, everything down to the seam. It’s very controlled, very focused. I wanted to create something very classic. A lot of times high-end collaborations look very trendy, like, ‘Oh, there’s that dress from that low-high collection.’ But I just wanted mine to be streamlined and affordable prices. Pieces you can easily mix with my regular collection too.” Indeed, the dresses are done in slate grays and black, typical of Wang’s emerging signature look. Why not play with more color for summertime? “I thought about it. But color for me has to be so specific.”

Wang didn’t have long to linger with his fans; he’s off to shoot his resort look book. And then to get ready for Monday’s CFDAs. He’ll be going with model pal Erin Wasson. She wasn’t involved at all in the Uniqlo collection, but she’s a “great friend and it’s good to go to those events with someone that you’re comfortable with, that you want to hang out with.” Asked about his nomination, Wang mentioned he wasn’t nervous, just honored to be going. After, his focus shifts to his spring 2009 collection. And then … shoes! Accessories fanatics rejoice. —Kendall Herbst